Massive agar plantation drive in Mangra Ching

IMPHAL, Aug 12: As part of the ongoing mass agar plantation drive launched in Manipur by the forest department, an agar plantation programme was held with the theme ‘plant for your future’ at Green Park, Mangra Ching, Sangaithel. The program was jointly organised by Socio Economic & Environment Development Society (SEEDS), Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) and Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur.

Addressing media persons, Manipur Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar expressed hope that the agar plantation program will help in protecting the environment for the future generation. Planting of trees in bare land along with proper nurturing will help in income generation and protect the environment, he added.

Stating that the agar plantation drive is launched in the state following memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Laos government during the Manipur Sangai Festival in 2017, he said that Manipur is the most suitable state in the country for agar plantation. Informing that the trees will be protected by the locals/land owners.

He said necessary assistance and maintenance fund for the tress will be provided by Laos government. Stating that income will be generated after 6-7 years.

Chairman, Tourism Corporation, Sapam Ranjan Singh said the State has massive potential but we are unable to tap the energy properly. Stating that the place is a strategic location with the ongoing railways project in the area, he said the place has lot of potential and it is blessed with scenic beauty. Speaking on tourism aspect in the area, he said he will consult on possible steps which can be undertaken by the Tourism Department and informed that it is his first visit at the location.

President, Editors Guild Manipur (EGM), Khogendro Khomdram said the agar plantation programme is organised with an aim to contribute in the environmental protection by people from all walks of life. Stating that SEEDS is a group of people working in environment protection, they collaborated with EGM and Directorate of Environment to plant agar trees in the area. He appealed and hoped that more individuals and groups will come forward to help and contribute in environmental protection.

Officials of Directorate of Environment including Dr. Y. Nabachandra Singh, Director, Directorate of Environment, Bhogen Singh, Deputy Director, editors of media firms along with media persons planted agar as part of the program.

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